U.S. Department of Education Awards Coppin State $300,000 Grant to Advance STEM Education and Workforce Readiness

New STEM Workforce Readiness and Retention Initiative Will Expand Undergraduate Research, Strengthen Student Success, and Prepare Graduates for High-Demand Careers.

BALTIMORE — Coppin State University has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education through its Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) to strengthen student success, expand undergraduate research opportunities, and prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The funding will support the University's new STEM Workforce Readiness and Retention Initiative (STEM-WRRI), a comprehensive program designed to improve student retention and graduation rates while providing hands-on learning experiences and career preparation in high-demand STEM fields.

The initiative will expand academic advising, mentoring, tutoring, and professional development opportunities while connecting students with paid undergraduate research experiences, internships, and specialized training in emerging technologies, including machine learning and data analytics.

A central component of STEM-WRRI will be the establishment of a new STEM Resource Center, which will serve as a hub for academic support, undergraduate research, career development, and collaboration among students, faculty, and industry partners.

The center will provide students with access to resources and experiences designed to strengthen their academic performance, develop technical skills, and prepare them for competitive employment opportunities and advanced study.

"STEM-WRRI represents an important investment in our students, faculty, and the future of STEM education at Coppin State University," said Dr. Mintesinot Jiru, Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Education. "By expanding research opportunities, strengthening academic support systems, and equipping students with cutting-edge workforce skills, we are creating pathways that will help our students thrive academically and professionally while contributing to the nation's growing STEM workforce." 

The initiative will also support faculty development through workshops, professional learning opportunities, and resources that encourage innovative teaching practices, research engagement, and student-centered instruction. These investments are intended to strengthen the University's STEM programs and establish sustainable improvements beyond the grant period.

STEM-WRRI is led by an interdisciplinary team of Coppin faculty and administrators, including Dr. Mintesinot Jiru, principal investigator; Dr. Emmanuel Atta-Obeng, Associate Professor of Biology and Co-principal Investigator; and Dr. Rachel Leander, Associate Professor/Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Sciences and Co-Principal Investigator.

Together, the team will oversee the implementation of strategies designed to improve academic achievement, increase participation in undergraduate research, and strengthen connections between classroom learning and workforce expectations.

"This $300,000 investment underscores the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for students to excel in STEM disciplines," said Dr. Angela L. Williams, Executive Director of Title III Programs at Coppin State University. "Through this initiative, we are enhancing academic resources, research experiences, and career development opportunities that support student persistence, graduation, and confident entry into the workforce. Equally important, this investment supports sustainable programs that will benefit future generations of Coppin students."

The initiative is expected to increase student engagement, improve retention and graduation outcomes in STEM disciplines, and expand access to professional experiences that prepare graduates for employment in growing scientific and technology sectors.

The federal investment reinforces Coppin State University's commitment to educational access, academic excellence, and workforce development while creating additional pathways for students to pursue rewarding careers in STEM.